Every state has a different athletic commission, and therefore, different rules.

2 or 3 years ago, Kentucky didn't have a commission at all, and when they hosted the first sanctioned show, the commission asked my coach if he was ok with the amateur rules because he was a pro and they weren't sure about it. Now Kentucky has everything but Elbows allowed in amateur - knees to the head when standing is ok.

But some northern states make you wear shinguards and **** for amateur.

In WV, MMA just became legal for PRO'S. We're not even allowed to have amateur matches because of the corrupt athletic commission that is basically bought by the boxing organizers, so that they can get in on the MMA craze/keep the fight $$ in the same pockets.

In Asia, MMA rules vary across states. Generally amateur = no punching the head on the ground, no elbows, no knees on the ground (strikes), no neck cranks and heel hooks and bicep slicers (subs), no spiking on the head or powerbombing (throws).

Most pro organizations follow UFC's ruleset with the exception of a few (ONE FC)